Still in contention in Serie A, the Europa League and Coppa Italia, Nick Valerio believes the Biancocelesti should fear no one.

It was a bad start to the month for Lazio, racking up three consecutive defeats at the hands of Genoa, leaders Napoli and Steaua Bucharest. Since this mini wobble, it’s played three, won three, netting an impressive 10 goals in the process and this gives a good measure of the group at the disposal of Simone Inzaghi.

While bitter rivals Roma toil and struggle to impose themselves, the Biancocelesti have proved their mettle, displaying the great maturity which has flourished since Inzaghi’s arrival in 2016.

In his debut season at the helm, the young Italian boss masterminded a fifth-place finish in the league and a Coppa Italia final place and the club are well on course to not only matching, but eclipsing this feat.

From a goal-scoring point of view, the squad are only 10 short of last term’s haul and Inzaghi deserves immense credit for the form of Ciro Immobile. The 28-year-old has hit over 30 goals in all competitions and has finally found the perfect home after many years on loan at various clubs. Pleasingly, the striker is delivering on the European stage and Lazio will fancy their chances against Dinamo Kiev in the Europa League Last 16.

The goals don’t end there, though. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto have nearly 20 efforts between them this campaign and the young Serbian is sure to be one of the summer’s hottest properties.

Looking at the field, bar the obvious trio of Atletico Madrid, Lyon and counterparts Milan, the Aquile have their best chance of winning a first piece of European silverware since the UEFA Super Cup triumph in 1999 against English outfit Manchester United. Lazio can outscore anyone and must seize their opportunity.

Of course, it’s unlikely to be plain sailing for the Aquile right until mid-May and there will be twists and turns on the way, but they’re in real contention and have a squad big enough to cope with the rigours of a match every few days, if they were to progress in Europe.

On the home front, the immediate challenge is to topple a rejuvenated Milan side in tonight’s Coppa Italia second-leg at San Siro. The opening tie ended 0-0 and it’ll be a fascinating watch between two contrasting Italian Coaches who have instilled belief and excitement in their respective camps. The Rossoneri could be about to make it a four-horse race for the final Champions League positions and these spots are the equivalent of a trophy in some quarters.

Lazio, though, should have no trouble finishing alongside pacesetters Napoli and champions Juventus outright due to the sheer number of goals they continue to plunder.

All in all, it’s been another progressive year for the Biancocelesti, but it could be about to get even better as the final months of the 2017-18 campaign unfold. With bragging rights in the capital more than likely, cup glory may also follow to the Eternal City under the sparkling stewardship of Inzaghi.